Irrigation sprinkler programmer device

ABSTRACT

Operation of a rotating irrigation sprinkler nozzle on a movable vehicle is programmed through a timing wheel intermittently advanced by a drive pin mounted on the nozzle. A cam on the timing wheel releases a latch to trigger operation of a control device for controlling movement of the vehicle to sequentially irrigate different locations in accordance with a predetermined schedule.

United States Patent 1111 3,583,636

[72] Inventor James J. Lacey [56) References Cited Rlllll Route, Tl'QIll, S. Dak. 57065 UNITED STATES PATENTS A.PPL 693.421 2/1902 Munch 1 239/192x FM My 3 489 352 1/1970 01 5 239/189 Patented Jams. 1971 gg Primary ExaminerAllen N. Knowles Assistant ExaminerEdwin D. Grant [54 I IRRIGA-HON SPRINKLER PROGRAMMER AttorneysClarence A. O'Brien and Harvey B. Jacobson DEVICE Drawing ABSTRACT: Operation of a rotating irrigation sprinkler noz- [52] U.S.C|. 239/189, zle on a movable vehicle is programmed through a timing 239/225 wheel intermittently advanced by a drive pin mounted on the (51} Int. Cl. B05b 3/00 nozzle. A cam on the timing wheel releases a latch to trigger Field of Search 239/ l 78, operation of a control device for controlling movement of the 189, 190, I91, I88, 180, 181, I84, 252, 192; vehicle to sequentially irrigate different locations in ac- 3 /225 cordance with a predetermined schedule.

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4 42 so 4 \ur Ur. v I u James J. Lacey INVIiN'I'OK.

IRRIGATION SPRINKLER PROGRAMMER DEVICE This invention relates to an improvement in irrigation sprinkler equipment and more particularly to a device associated with irrigation sprinklers or boom-type irrigation sprinklers for programming operation thereof.

In regard to irrigation sprinkling devices of the type in which a rotating spray nozzle mounted on a vehicle is moved from one location to another, a considerable amount of time and labor has been utilized to start, stop and move the sprinkler unit. A need therefore exists for a control mechanism through which operation of the sprinkler unit may be automatically controlled in accordance with a predetermined schedule or program. Any such control mechanism must however be not only reliable in operation but relatively simple to install and maintain. It must also be capable of withstanding severe environmental conditions without malfunction and in particular immune to the deleterious affects of moisture.

In accordance with the present invention, a programming control mechanism is provided which meets the foregoing requirements. In one embodiment of the invention, the control mechanism includes a timing wheel rotatably mounted below the rotating nozzle on the vertical mast of an irrigation sprinkler unit, the timing wheel being intermittently driven by a drive pin on the nozzle device. The timing wheel may accordingly be programmed after a predetermined number of revolutions or part revolutions of the nozzle or sprinkler boom device to release a latch mechanism-triggering operation of a control device such as a brake mechanism. Thus, the brake mechanism may be released after the nozzle device of the sprinkler has rotated a predetermined number of revolutions in order to permit propulsion of the unit to another location.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. I is a side elevational view of an irrigation sprinkler unit representing one installation embodiment for the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, partial rear elevational view of the sprinkler unit shown in FIG. I.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial side elevation view of the sprinkler unit shown in FIG. 1. I

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view taken substantially through a plane indicated by section line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sprinkler unit shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a partial side elevational view of a portion of the sprinkler unit shown in FIG. 1.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIGS. I and 5, the irrigation sprinkler unit generally denoted by reference numeral 10 is of the mobile type adapted to be moved from one location to another at which water is discharged. The sprinkler unit includes a vehicle frame generally referred to by reference numeral 12 supported above the ground by a pair of forward wheels 14 and a pair of rear wheels 16. The wheels 14 and 16 are respectively mounted by a forward longitudinal portion 18 of the frame and a rear longitudinal body portion 20, the longitudinal portions being interconnected by a vertical mast 22 which rotatably mounts at its upper end, an irrigation gun or spray nozzle device generally referred to by reference numeral 24, The nozzle device 24 extends upwardly at an angle from the vertical, rotational axis established by the mast 22 so as to discharge a stream of water as it is rotated about the vertical axis. Water under pressure is supplied to the nozzle device through the rear fluid-conveying portion of the vehicle frame and the mast 22 by an elongated flexible conduit 26 connected in any suitable manner to the rear portion 20 of the vehicle. The water conducted to the rear portion 20 of the vehicle frame is supplied to the nozzle device through a distributing conduit 28 having a control vale 30 mounted therein by means of which water may be cut off and its flow rate regulated. The pressure of the water may be monitored through a pressure gauge 32.

In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle frame mounts a propelling mechanism generally referred to by the reference numeral 34 which may include a water driven turbine mounted within the lower end portion 36 of the mast 22. Thus, when water under pressure is supplied to the rear portion 20 of the vehicle frame, it is conducted into the water turbine so that it may impart rotation through a gear box 38 and a drive assembly 40 to a cable-storing drum 42. An anchoring cable 44 extends from the drum 42. It will therefore be apparent, that when the remote end of the cable (not shown) is anchored at some location remote from the unit 10, the unit will be propelled toward this location when rotation is imparted to the drum 42 causing the cable to wind thereupon. The vehicle propelling drum 42 and the components of the drive assembly 40 are mounted by the forward portion 18 of the vehicle frame. The gear box 38 through which the water turbine is drivingly connected to the drive assembly 40, is mounted by a bracket 46 at the lower end of the mast and is provided with a driven wheel 48 through which movement of the vehicle is controlled by a control device generally referred to by reference numeral 50.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the control device in the illustrated embodiment normally prevents propulsion of the vehicle by holding the driven wheel 48 stationary so that no drive will be transmitted through the endless sprocket chain 52 to the cable drum drive assembly 40, the sprocket chain 52 being drivingly engaged with the output shaft 54 of the gear box. Thus, a brake member or shoe 56 to which a brake lining 58 is secured by rivets 60, is engaged with the driven wheel 48 in order to hold it stationary and prevent movement of the vehicle through the box. The brakeshoe 56 is mounted on a brake control or lever element 62 which is pivotally mounted on the gear box by means of a hinge pin 64 and hinge bracket 66 secured to the gear box. Connected to the brake lever element 62 adjacent the opposite end thereof, is a spring 68 as shown in FIG. I. The spring 68 is normally rendered operative through actuating means including a flexible anchoring chain 70 to urge the brakeshoe into engagement with the driven wheel 48. Upon release of the anchoring chain 70, the brake lever element 62 is permitted to pivot by its own weight in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 6 thereby releasing driven brake wheel 48 so that movement of the vehicle may be initiated to another location. Thus, the brake release operation of the control device is effected after the nozzle device 24 has rotated a predetermined number of revolutions at one location from which movement is initiated in accordance with a preset program.

The actuating means also includes a control pin 72 connected to the chain 70 and a air of vertically spaced guide formations 74 carried by a guide bracket 76 within which the control 50 is slidably received as shown in FIGS. 2 through 5 to hold the actuating means in a position preventing drive release operation of the control device 50. The guide bracket is secured as by welding to a mounting bracket 78 which encircles the mast adjacent its upper end and is clamped thereto by a pair of fastener assemblies 80. The control pin 72 is held within the guide formation 74 by a releasable latch mechanism generally referred to by reference numeral 82. Thus, when the latch mechanism is released, the actuating means assumes the actuated position as the control pin 72 drops downwardly from the guide bracket releasing the brake lever element 62 so that the brake may be disengaged. The latch mechanism 82 is released under control of a timing device 84 rotatably mounted by the mounting bracket 78.

As more clearly seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the latch mechanism 82 includes a trigger arm 86 pivotally mounted on the guide brackets 76 by a pivot bolt 88 in a horizontal plane. The trigger arm includes a recessed portion 90 engageable with the control pin 72 when received within the guide bracket underlying a latch disc 92 rigidly secured to the control pin. It will be apparent, therefore, that when the trigger arm 86 is angularly displaced to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 4, the control pin will be released and dropped downwardly from the guide bracket as aforementioned. ln order to angularly displace the trigger arm to its release position, it is provided with a follower roller 94 rotatably mounted at an end opposite the pivot bolt 88, forming a release means together with cam element 96.

The follower roller 94 is adapted to be engaged by the cam element 96 mounted on a rotor in the form of a circular disc 98 of the timing device 84. The rotor disc is rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis, intersecting the vertical rotational axis of the nozzle device, by means ofa mounting bolt 100 secured to the mounting bracket 78. The rotor disc 98 is held loosely assembled on the bolt 100 by means of a nut 102 threadably mounted on the threaded end of the bolt. A washer 104 is threadably mounted on the bolt adjacent the mounting bracket and seats one axial end of a spring 106 which continuously urges a friction disc 108 into engagement with the rotor disc 98. Thus, the rotor disc is yieldably held stationary between intermittent advancements to precisely control movement of cam element 96 into engagement with the follower 94 for releasing the latch mechanism 82 as aforementioned.

In order to intermittently rotate the rotor disc 98, the hub portion 110 of the nozzle device 24 has a drive member in the form of a bracket 112 secured thereto by means of fasteners 114, and a drive pin 116 that projects from this bracket horizontally toward the timing device 84. The rotor disc is provided on its outer periphery with a plurality of radial projections 118 engageable by the drive pin 116 which is rotatable with the nozzle or sprinkler boom device about the vertical axis. It will therefore be apparent that during each revolution of the nozzle device, the timing device 84 will be angularly displaced an amount equal to the spacing between the radial pins 1 18. By selecting a rotor disc 98 for the timing device having a preset number of projections 118, spaced apart by a preset amount, the number of revolutions of the nozzle device desired before the latch mechanism 82 is released may be obtained in order to program the amount of water to be discharged at any one location by the sprinkler unit.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that the programming control mechanism 50 hereinbefore described is mounted on a sprinkler unit by means of a mounting bracket 78 in order to control propulsion of the vehicle through a brake type of control device in the illustrated embodiment. The programming control mechanism 50 may of course alternatively control other types of propelling mechanism through a clutch for example instead of a brake or in conjunction with a radio control to start or stop the remote pump through which water under pressure is supplied to the sprinkler unit. Other functions may also be placed under control of the programming control device for regulating operation of the apparatus with which it is associated. Where a sprinkler unit of the oscillating type is utilized, the drive pin 116 may be replaced by a hinged pawl so that the drive will be imparted to the timing wheel in one direction only.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What I claim as new is as follows:

1. In combination with a vehicle having a frame rotatably mounting a discharge nozzle device and means for supplying liquid under pressure to said nozzle device while the nozzle device undergoes angular movement, a mechanism for programming operation of the nozzle device including a drive member mounted by the nozzle device, timing means movably mounted by the vehicle frame for intermittent advancement by the drive member in response to angular movement of the nozzle device, a control device for controlling movement of the vehicle, actuating means biased to an actuated position for operating the control device, latch means engageable with the actuating means for holding the same in a position preventing operation of the control device, and release means mounted by the timing means for disengaging the latch means from the actuating means.

2. The combination of claim 11 wherein said timing means comprises a rotor rotatably mounted by the vehicle having a plurality of radial projections engageable by the drive member.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said control device includes a brake member, a brake control element connected to the brake member and pivotally mounted by the vehicle frame and spring means connected to the brake control member and rendered operative for urging the brake member to an engaged position preventing propulsion of the vehicle.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein said actuating means includes a guide bracket fixedly mounted by the vehicle frame, a control pin slidably received in the guide bracket engaged by the latch means, and flexible anchoring means connecting the control pin to the spring means for rendering the same operative.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said latch means includes a trigger arm pivotally mounted by the guide bracket and having a portion engageable with the control pin, and a latch disc fixed to the control pin overlying the trigger arm when engaged with the pin in the guide bracket.

6. The combination of claim 5 wherein said release means includes a cam element mounted by the timing means and follower means mounted by the trigger arm and engageable by the cam element for releasing the brake member.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein said vehicle frame includes a vertical mast rotatably mounting the nozzle device about a vertical axis above the programming mechanism and longitudinal portions connected to the mast forwardly and rearwardly thereof, vehicle-propelling means mounted by one of the longitudinal portions of the frame, said liquid supplying means being mounted by the other portion of the frame.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said propelling means includes a cable storing drum from which an anchoring cable extends, and liquid driven transmission means drivingly connected to the drum for rotation thereof having a driven wheel engageable by the brake member in the engaged position thereof.

9. The combination of claim 1 wherein said vehicle frame includes a vertical mast rotatably mounting the nozzle device about a vertical axis above the programming mechanism and longitudinal portions connected to the mast forwardly and rearwardly thereof, vehicle propelling means mounted by one of the longitudinal portions of the frame, said liquid-supplying means being mounted by the other portion of the frame.

10. The combination of claim 9 wherein said propelling means includes a cable-storing drum from which an anchoring cable extends, and liquid driven transmission means drivingly connected to the drum for rotation thereof having a driven wheel engageable by the control device to control movement of the vehicle.

11. The combination of claim 10 wherein said control device includes a brake member, a brake control element connected to the brake member and pivotally mounted by the vehicle frame and spring means connected to the brake control member rendered operative for urging the brake member into engagement with the driven wheel.

12. The combination of claim 1 wherein said actuating means includes a guide bracket fixedly mounted by the vehicle frame, a control pin slidably received in the guide bracket engaged by the latch means, and flexible anchoring means connecting the control pin to the spring means for rendering the same operative.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein said latch means includes a trigger arm pivotally mounted by the guide bracket and having a portion engageable with the control pin, and a latch disc fixed to the control pin overlying the trigger arm when engaged with the pin in the guide bracket.

14. The combination of claim 13 wherein said release means includes a cam element mounted by the timing means and follower means mounted by the trigger arm and engageable by the cam element for disengaging the control device.

15. The combination of claim 14 wherein said vehicle frame includes a vertical mast rotatably mounting the nozzle device about a vertical axis above the programming mechanism and longitudinal portions connected to the mast forwardly and rearwardly thereof, vehicle-propelling means mounted by one of the longitudinal portions of the frame, said liquid-supplying means being mounted by the other portion of the frame.

16. In combination, a vehicle frame having a fluid-conveying portion connected to a source of fluid under pressure, a drive mechanism for propelling the vehicle frame, fluid driven means connected to said fluid-conveying portion for impelling the drive mechanism, a fluid-distributing conduit connected to the fluid-conveying portion between the source and the fluid driven means, fluid-operated nozzle means connected to said distributing conduit, and control means drivingly engaged by the nozzle means for programming operation of the drive mechanism.

17. The combination of claim 16 wherein said control means includes a brake device engageable with the drive mechanism and timing means driven by the nozzle means for intermittent disengagement of the brake device from the drive mechanism. 

1. In combination with a vehicle having a frame rotatably mounting a discharge nozzle device and means for supplying liquid under pressure to said nozzle device while the nozzle device undergoes angular movement, a mechanism for programming operation of the nozzle device including a drive member mounted by the nozzle device, timing means movably mounted by the vehicle frame for intermittent advancement by the drive member in response to angular movement of the nozzle device, a control device for controlling movement of the vehicle, actuating means biased to an actuated position for operating the control device, latch means engageable with the actuating means for holding the same in a position preventing operation of the control device, and release means mounted by the timing means for disengaging the latch means from the actuating means.
 2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said timing means comprises a rotor rotatably mounted by the vehicle having a plurality of radial projections engageable by the drive member.
 3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said control device includes a brake member, a brake control element connected to the brake member and pivotally mounted by the vehicle frame and spring means connected to the brake control member and rendered operative for urging the brake member to an engaged position preventing propulsion of the vehicle.
 4. The combination of claim 3 wherein said actuating means includes a guide bracket fixedly mounted by the vehicle frame, a control pin slidably received in the guide bracket engaged by the latch means, and flexible anchoring means connecting the control pin to the spring means for rendering the same operative.
 5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said latch means includes a trigger arm pivotally mounted by the guide bracket and having a portion engageable with the control pin, and a latch disc fixed to the control pin overlying the trigger arm when engaged with the pin in the guide bracket.
 6. The combination of claim 5 wherein said release means includes a cam element mounted by the timing means and follower means mounted by the trigger arm and engageable by the cam element for releasing the brake member.
 7. The combination of claim 6 wherein said vehicle frame includes a vertical mast rotatably mounting the nozzle device about a vertical axis above the programming mechanism and longitudinal portions connected to the mast forwardly and rearwardly thereof, vehicle-propelling means mounted by one of the longitudinal portions of the frame, said liquid supplying means being mounted by the other portion of the frame.
 8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said propelling means includes a cable storing drum from which an anchoring cable extends, and liquid driven transmission means drivingly connected to the drum for rotation thereof having a driven wheel engageable by the brake member in the engaged position thereof.
 9. The combination of claim 1 wherein said vehicle frame includes a vertical mast rotatably mounting the nozzle device about a vertical axis above the programming mechanism and longitudinal portions connected to the mast forwardly and rearwardly thereof, vehicle propelling means mounted by one of the longitudinal portions of the frame, said liquid-supplying means being mounted by the other portion of the frame.
 10. The combination of claim 9 wherein said propelling means includes a cable-storing drum from which an anchoring cable extends, and liquid driven transmission means drivingly connected to the drum for rotation thereof having a driven wheel engageable by the control device to control movement of the vehicle.
 11. The combination of claim 10 wherein said control device includes a brake member, a brake control element connected to the brake member and pivotally mounted by the vehicle frame and spring means connected to the brake control member rendered operative for urging the brake member into engagement with the driven wheel.
 12. The combination of claim 1 wherein said actuating means includes a guide bracket fixedly mounted by the vehicle frame, a control pin slidably received in the guide bracket engaged by the latch means, and flexible anchoring means connecting the control pin to the spring means for rendering the same operative.
 13. The combination of claim 12 wherein said latch means includes a trigger arm pivotally mounted by the guide bracket and having a portion engageable with the control pin, and a latch disc fixed to the control pin overlying the trigger arm when engaged with the pin in the guide bracket.
 14. The combination of claim 13 wherein said release means includes a cam element mounted by the timing means and follower means mounted by the trigger arm and engageable by the cam element for disengaging the control device.
 15. The combination of claim 14 wherein said vehicle frame includes a vertical mast rotatably mounting the nozzle device about a vertical axis above the programming mechanism and longitudinal portions connected to the mast forwardly and rearwardly thereof, vehicle-propelling means mounted by one of the longitudinal portions of the frame, said liquid-supplying means being mounted by the other portion of the frame.
 16. In combination, a vehicle frame having a fluid-conveying portion connected to a source of fluid under pressure, a drive mechanism for propelling the vehicle frame, fluid driven means connected to said fluid-conveying portion for impelling the drive mechanism, a fluid-distributing conduit connected to the fluid-conveying portion between the source and the fluid driven means, fluid-operated nozzle means connected to said distributing conduit, and control means drivingly engaged by the nozzle means for programming operation of the drive mechanism.
 17. The combination of claim 16 wherein said control means includes a brake device engageable with the drive mechanism and timing means driven by the nozzle means for intermittent disengagement of the brake device from the drive mechanism. 